Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said that there are around 12.7 million children aged 12 to 17 in 2021.

In the National Capital Region (NCR) at least 18,666 with co-morbidities minors received their first dose of vaccine during the initial phase of the pediatric vaccination as of October 26, 2021.

“Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will still be used among children during the nationwide rollout. Further details and the guidelines with regard to the nationwide expansion of pediatric vaccination will be released once finalized,” said DOH Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire.

The province of Southern Leyte in Eastern Visayas launched their Pediatric Vaccination at the Salvacion Oppus Yniguez Memorial Provincial Hospital (SOYMPH) of the said province on November 12, 2021.

As in the adult COVID 19 immunization, around 70% of the 12-17 years old population or 12% of the projected population are expected to be vaccinated against the dreaded virus. This would more or less forty four (44) thousand adolescents expected to be inoculated in said province.

The event was attended by no less than Governor Damian Mercado, SP Memvers, Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Feliciano John Matibag and Provincial Health Officer 1 and COVID 19 vaccination in charge Dr. Jean Uy, representatives from DILG, PNP and other PHO staff and guest.

Meanwhile, the DOH continues to urge the adult population, especially those belonging to priority groups A2 and A3, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to achieve the cocoon effect which protects the children at home.

Moreover, the Department further emphasizes that choosing to get vaccinated will not only protect the person itself but also those around, along with the strict and religious adherence to minimum public health standards (MPHS) and other preventive measures implemented. #NPC-CPD